RAK'd by my "First"

From across the North Pacific Ocean I have been RAK'd again!  This time by none other than Prudence Mapstone of the website www.KnotJustKnitting.com -- she sent me her latest book "Never too many handbags" which launched me into a shopping frenzy earlier this morning! 

Some background in how I got to know Prudence:  For me, Prudence was my first introduction to Freeform Crochet.  It was in the winter of 2002 when Barbara, the Founder of the New York City Crochet Guild, contacted me.  "Dee," she said, "you should really come to the City and take this workshop!  Prudence's freeform work is incredible!" 

"Freeform?" I had thought to myself, "what is that?" Around that same time I had received a crochet magazine in the mail and (if memory serves me correctly) on the cover was a cream colored vest that just knocked my socks off.  (I'll have to see if I can relocate that magazine.)  I remember practically salivating over it and madly eagerly flipping through it in search of the "must have this pattern now!!" -- only to discover that in freeform there really is no pattern.  Freeform is more of a journey to create beautiful works where traditional rules of crochet (and knit!) are broken, and where many crochet techniques & stitches are blended together to create incredible one-of-a-kind art fiber works.  I immediately signed up for the workshop and had a most marvelous time.  Not only is Prudence's freeform incredible, but she's a total sweetheart!

So this morning as I flipped through Prudence's new book I found myself inspired -- salivating really --over freeform once again.  What a fantastic book! 

Based upon her recommendations I popped on over to Lacis.com to order the mesh bag used to attach the crochet work to -- I've decided (that as soon as time allots) I want to create a freeform bag that is somewhat "giraffe" in theme.  I'm thinking of following the the giraffe colors & shapes of their skin (is it skin or fur? I dunno, but I do know that I like the shapes and colors!) ... I think creating a purse in this theme will make a very fun project for me!  And I think it would be a perfect project to use my incredible buffalo and soft Peruvian alpaca yarn in ... (go here to see some incredible giraffe images!)

For those interested, Prudence will be returning to The States for another visit.  She has a one evening workshop planned & will be conducting it for the wonderful NYC Crochet Guild on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 28th.  Registration for non- NYCCG members are now being accepted.  Contact the NYCCG for more information; visit their website at www.nyccrochetguild.org

Thank you, Prudence, for the inspiring RAK'ing!!

**RAK'ing: Random Act of Kindness.  August 1st was National Girlfriend Day, but I'm suggesting we celebrate our friendships all month long by RAK'ing.